Learning together · With Georgia
Little habits.
Healthier swimming.
Make these simple routines part of your family’s pool day—before the first splash and after the last.
Explore the habits ↓
A family routine
Five habits to practice together.
Before you swim
Start with a shower.
A one-minute rinse helps remove sweat, dirt and oils, leaving pool disinfectant available to work on germs.
When someone is sick
Save swimming for another day.
Stay out of the water when you have diarrhea. After a Cryptosporidium diagnosis, CDC says to wait two weeks after diarrhea has completely stopped before returning.
While you swim
Keep pool water out of your mouth.
Avoid swallowing water, even when it looks clear. Proper treatment reduces germs, but does not kill every germ immediately.
Make time for breaks
Take care of bathroom needs.
Take children for bathroom breaks and check diapers every hour. Change diapers away from the pool, where germs cannot wash into the water.
After swimming
Dry your ears.
Gently dry ears thoroughly after swimming to help prevent swimmer’s ear.
Adapted from CDC’s guidance on preventing swimming-related illnesses. Reviewed September 26, 2026. Contact a healthcare provider if you become ill after swimming.
Keep learning together
Healthy habits are part of the plan.
Keep your family’s supervision and pool-safety plan alongside these everyday routines.